The meeting focused on three main topics: a proposal to designate the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania’s state migratory bird, updates on the Westerman Bill and Endangered Species Act threats, and instructions for using the new chapter membership and supporters report. Jim and Scott presented the Scarlet Tanager proposal, highlighting its conservation significance and potential to raise awareness about forest habitats. Arlie provided updates on the Westerman Bill and encouraged attendees to support efforts to oppose it by meeting with legislators, writing letters, and signing petitions. Tess explained the new chapter membership and supporters report, detailing how chapters can use the expanded data to engage members and supporters in advocacy efforts. The conversation ended with discussions on creating Google groups for chapter leaders and addressing questions about the new report’s format and functionality.

Next steps

• Jim and Scott (Audubon Mid-Atlantic): Work with Ezra Thrush and his lobbying firm to identify a Republican and Democratic bill sponsor for the Scarlet Tanager state migratory bird legislation; begin outreach to chapters and council for support and testimony about the Tanager in local chapter footprints.
• All chapters/council members: Consider supporting the Scarlet Tanager state migratory bird proposal by preparing to share information about the species and its habitat in their chapter territories with legislators, and participate in Harrisburg advocacy as requested.
• Arly (Defenders of Wildlife): Send link for the sign-on letter opposing the Westerman ESA Amendments Act to Lee and share updated fact sheets; coordinate with interested chapter members for meetings with targeted legislators (Fitzpatrick, Mackenzie, Bresnahan, Kean).
• Chapter members in targeted districts (1, 7, 8 in PA; 7 in NJ): Contact Arly if interested in meeting with legislators or writing letters to the editor/OP-eds opposing the Westerman bill; provide chapter contact information if willing to participate.
• Arly: Reach out to chapters/individuals who provide contact info in the chat to coordinate advocacy actions.
• Lee (and/or designated council contact): Send welcome letter and finalize setup of the Google group for chapter conservation/advocacy contacts by end of week/weekend; follow up with chapters that have not yet signed up.
• Tess: Set up a Google group for chapter leaders (president/VP/primary contact) and request email contacts from chapters not yet included.
• Lee: Include articles from Arly, Jim, and Scott in the February edition of The Drummer; request articles by early next week.
• Tess: Save and distribute the meeting chat transcript to participants.
• All chapters: Download and review new membership/supporter rosters from Box before June 30 (old system retirement), and consider outreach to new supporters for advocacy and events.
• Chapters using chapter-only membership: Consider integrating new supporters from the roster into chapter communications and advocacy efforts.
• Chapters: Contact Tess with chapter leader email for inclusion in the new chapter leaders Google group.
• Arly: Provide resources and support (including fact sheets) to chapter members interested in meeting with legislators outside the main targeted districts.
• Lee: Double-check and update the Endangered Species Act information/resources on the website as needed.

Summary

Advocacy and Conservation Networking Updates

The meeting began with introductions and a request for participants to enter their names and affiliations in the chat. Peter announced that the session would focus on advocacy and conservation networking, with plans to discuss a state-level proposal and updates on the Westerman Bill and the Endangered Species Act. Jim and Scott were set to present an interesting proposal at the state level, while Tess and Peter planned to share insights on using the new chapter membership and supporter report to engage members in advocacy efforts. Arlie was expected to join later to provide an update on Defenders of Wildlife’s perspective on the Westerman Bill.

Scarlet Tanager State Bird Initiative

Jim and Scott proposed the idea of designating the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania’s state migratory bird to elevate forest conservation efforts and engage legislators on bird-specific issues. They highlighted the Tanager’s significance to Pennsylvania’s forests and its global population impact. The next steps involve identifying bill sponsors, engaging with legislators, and using the initiative to raise awareness about forest threats. The proposal received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated its potential to foster non-partisan support and raise awareness about bird conservation.

Endangered Species Legislative Threats

The group discussed several legislative threats to endangered species, with Arly highlighting the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 as the most significant danger, which passed through committee and could be brought to a vote at any time. They are organizing opposition through sign-on letters, meetings with legislators, letters to the editor, and seeking support from local organizations. PA emphasized the importance of having chapter representatives join the Google group to facilitate quick communication during legislative threats, and mentioned a recent successful meeting with Fitzpatrick’s office. A potential lobby day in Harrisburg was mentioned for June 1st, which will be Native Species Day.

Endangered Species Legislation Advocacy

The group discussed organizing meetings with congressional representatives about endangered species legislation, with a focus on targeting Congressman Fitzpatrick who voted against the Boebert bill removing wolves from the Endangered Species Act. Arly explained that while meetings with representatives from other districts might not be feasible due to resource constraints, she can provide support and resources for such efforts, including fact sheets and contact information. The group agreed to gather more supporters for potential meetings with legislators, with Arly emphasizing that having more participants would make it easier to schedule meetings and demonstrate constituent interest.

Legislative Engagement and Communication Strategies

The group discussed strategies for engaging with legislators, with Arly explaining that while organizing public events at legislators’ offices isn’t currently planned, they may consider it if meetings aren’t possible. They agreed to use a Google group to facilitate communication with chapter leaders and conservation partners, with about 10-12 initial members already onboarded. The discussion highlighted the importance of personal stories, such as bald eagle sightings, in influencing legislators, and Tess was invited to share information about the improved monthly membership and supporters roster, which chapters can use to identify and engage local advocates.

Audubon Membership Roster System Update

Tess provided an overview of changes to Audubon’s membership roster system, explaining that it now includes more data types beyond just financial donors, such as online action takers and app subscribers. Lee demonstrated how to access and use the new roster data, which includes member and supporter information with email addresses, congressional districts, and other details. The group discussed potential uses of the new data for advocacy work, event planning, and targeted outreach. Tess announced she would create a Google group for chapter leaders to share information and updates. The conversation ended with plans to distribute meeting notes, a YouTube recording, and a summary in the next edition of The Drummer newsletter.